Head of Data Science

We place Head of Data Science roles in Australia’s leading banks, insurers, wealth managers, property, FMCG and retail companies with whom we have built long-term trusted relationships.

Data science is high on the agenda for most Australian businesses. This is being driven by a commercial need to better understand their customers and the internal lens on performance reporting. We are seeing a significant increase in demand for Head of Data Science candidates, and a resulting increase in salaries. Moreover, most candidates will have at least two to three other offers to choose from. We are also seeing a blending of analytics and data science skillsets

Our expert knowledge of Sydney’s data science market and extensive candidate network, backed by the team power of the broader T+O+M business enables us to confidently deliver on any Head of Data science search we’re engaged on.

Key responsibilities of a Head of Data Science include:

- Develop and deliver the data science capability and strategy across the business
- Provide effective business performance reporting, diagnostic analytics and predictive insights that inform and help shape business initiatives and strategy
- Lead and mentor the data engineering, data visualisation, data science, business intelligence and analytics functions
- Plan data pipelines for different business units
- Build relationships with key senior business stakeholders, work with them to develop strategy and provide data solutions
- Develop processes and initiatives to improve the effectiveness and visibility of data science
- Identify opportunities to apply advanced analytics to improve business outcomes
- Effectively communicate data insights to drive action

Skills, education and experience required of Head of Data Science include:

- Degree qualified in engineering, computer science, statistics, business or economics
- Eight to ten years of business intelligence, data science & analytics and/or marketing insights and analytics experience
- Highly analytical, curious and creative
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Collaboration, communication and problem solving skills are key to being an effective Head of Data Science
- Data warehousing experience
- Ability to segment and draw insights from large volumes of data
- Strong leadership skills
- Ability to be hands-on